Method for reducing reflectance of bright decorative trim under high ambient light conditions

ABSTRACT

In a dimmable trim component for a vehicle interior, a trim article includes a reflective member having a photoreactive or an electro-optic coating disposed over the reflective member. The reflective member is configured to reflect ambient light. The coating is a bistable coating and is operable between a first light transmissive state and a second light transmissive state. When in the first light transmissive state, ambient light is transmitted to the reflective member for reflection by the reflective member through the coating. When in the second light transmissive state, a portion of the ambient light is absorbed by the coating and therefore, not reflected by the reflective member, such that the coating provides a dimming effect to the trim article in high ambient conditions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a dimmable trim component fora vehicle interior, and more specifically, to a dimmable trim componenthaving a dimmable coating that is either photoreactive or electro-optic,wherein the dimmable coating controls or otherwise alters the amount oflight reflected from a reflective member of the trim component.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Real chrome plating or simulated chrome plating is commonly used invarious finishing trim components in automotive interiors as adecorative design accent. Under bright ambient lighting conditions(e.g., sunlight), light reflected from such decorative accents cancontribute to driver distraction or even driver fatigue. This problemcan be mitigated to some extent by incorporating a matte finish overhighly reflective trim article or by making the trim surface curved toreflect a lower percentage of ambient light. Other approaches to reducetrim reflection have included limiting the overall amount or location ofbright or highly reflective interior trim accents. The aforementionedapproaches, however, are often not compatible with a desired designtheme that a design studio has chosen for a particular vehicle interior.Thus, a design studio for a vehicle interior is limited creatively whentrying to incorporate reflective trim accents into a visually pleasingvehicle interior aesthetic.

Thus, a means of controlling or dimming the reflection from reflectivetrim accents would address the driver distraction and fatigue issueswithout limiting the creative latitude available to a vehicle designstudio. The present invention provides a means of attenuating or dimmingthe reflection of ambient light from reflective trim accents under highambient light conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention includes a dimmable trim componentfor a vehicle interior wherein a trim article includes a reflectiveportion having a photoreactive coating substantially covering thereflective portion. The photoreactive coating includes a photochromicdye, thereby defining a dimmable coating capable of transmitting apercentage of visible light to the reflective portion in a ground stateand reducing the percentage of visible light transmitted to thereflective portion when the photoreactive coating is in an activatedstated.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a dimmable trimcomponent for a vehicle interior, wherein a trim panel includes anaccent trim portion with a reflective layer. The reflective layer isconfigured to reflect an amount of ambient light. A photochromic layeris disposed over the reflective layer and is operable between a groundstate and an excited state. The photochromic layer reduces the amount ofambient light reflected from the reflective layer when the photochromiclayer is in the excited stated.

Yet another aspect of the present invention includes a dimmable trimcomponent for a vehicle interior comprising a trim article having areflective member and an electro-optic coating disposed over thereflective member. The reflective member is configured to reflectambient light. The electro-optic coating includes electro-opticparticles which are bistable and operable between a first lighttransmissive state and a second light transmissive state. When theelectro-optic particles are in the first light transmissive state,ambient light is transmitted to the reflective member for reflection bythe reflective member. When the electro-optic particles are in thesecond light transmissive state, a portion of ambient light is absorbedby the electro-optic coating and therefore, not reflected by thereflective member.

These and other aspects, objects, and features of the present inventionwill be understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art uponstudying the following specification, claims, and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a vehicle trim component having anaccent trim portion;

FIG. 2A is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the vehicle trimcomponent of FIG. 1 taken at line II having a photoreactive layerdisposed over the accent trim portion;

FIG. 2B is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the trim component ofFIG. 2A with the photoreactive layer in an activated state;

FIG. 3A is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of a trim component havingan accent trim portion with an electro-optic layer in a first lighttransmissive stated coupled to an excitation source;

FIG. 3B is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of the trim component ofFIG. 3A showing the electro-optic layer in a second light transmissivestate;

FIG. 4A is a fragmentary cross-sectional view of an electro-optic layerdisposed over a reflective layer, wherein the electro-optic layerincludes electro-optic particles having a first light transmissivecondition; and

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the electro-optic and reflectivelayers of FIG. 4A, wherein the electro-optic particles are aligned toexhibit a second light transmissive condition.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. However, itis to be understood that the invention may assume various alternativeorientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It isalso to be understood that the specific devices and processesillustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the followingspecification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive conceptsdefined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and otherphysical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed hereinare not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly stateotherwise.

For purposes of this disclosure, an interior trim article for a vehiclerefers to any interior piece of vehicle equipment, or part thereof,suitable for receiving a photoreactive or electro-optic coatingdescribed herein. Interior trim articles may include instrument panels,door panels, bezels, registers, instrument clusters, arm rests,consoles, glove compartment doors, and trim lines, which may extendacross an instrument panel, dashboard, door, or any other part within avehicle interior. Further, for the purposes of this disclosure, a trimarticle may include an accent trim portion that includes a reflectivelayer or reflective member which provides the appearance of a reflectivesurface, such as a metallic reflective surface in the nature of chrome,simulated chrome, nickel plating, and brushed nickel surfaces, forexample.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the reference numeral 10 generally designates atrim article in the form of an instrument cluster. The instrumentcluster 10 includes a generally conventional design for positioningwithin a vehicle interior in front of a steering wheel. As shown in FIG.1, the instrument cluster 10 includes a main housing portion 12 with agenerally centrally located window 14 through which any number ofautomotive gauge assemblies or display screens can be disposed forrelaying information to the driver of the vehicle. The main housing 12includes an arcuately shaped upper portion 16 and a generally planarlower portion 18 having a relief portion 18 a which is generally adaptedto receive a steering column in assembly. The centrally extending window14 is generally a recessed feature having a shelf-like member 20disposed thereabove. The instrument cluster 10 further includesattachment locations 22, 24 which can be used to couple portions of theinstrument cluster 10 together. Further, the instrument cluster 10includes a generally front facing portion 26 having a number of displaymembers 28, 30, 32 which are generally molded-in features on a polymericinstrument cluster 10 which can house any number of automotive interiorfeatures, such as ignition columns, vents, gauges, display screens,interior light fixtures, and other such features found in a vehicleinterior. Finally, in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the instrument cluster10 includes an accent trim portion 40 which is disposed about the upperportion 16 of the main housing 12. The accent trim portion 40 mayinclude a metallic plating, an actual metallic trim component, or asimulated metallic trim component that is considered to be a decorativeaccent that is highly reflective as indicated by glare mark G in FIG. 1.The accent trim portion 40 is a decorative piece which is substantiallydisposed on the upper portion 16 of the main housing 12 to provide adecorative accent to the trim article 10. As used throughout thedisclosure, terms such as “reflective member”, “reflective layer”,“reflective portion”, “accent trim”, “bright trim” and other suchidentifiers are used to indicate portions of a trim component whichgenerally reflect an amount of ambient light, such as sunlight, and aretherefore suitable for a coating or structural configuration that wouldprovide for a dimming effect to the trim component as further describedbelow. Further, the term “ambient light” as used herein refers to lightconditions within the interior of a vehicle. In certain cases, the UVlight within a vehicle interior may be filtered out by tinted glass,such that the ambient light within the vehicle interior can include bothvisible and invisible lighting conditions as determined by the presenceor omission of any light filters in place in the vehicle.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a cross-section of a portion of theinstrument cluster 10 is shown having an accent trim portion 40 disposedon the upper portionl6 of the main housing 12. In the embodiment shownin FIGS. 2A and 2B, the accent trim portion 40 includes a reflectivelayer 42, a photoreactive layer 44 and a protective layer 46. As usedthroughout this disclosure, the reflective layer 42 may be a reflectiveportion of a trim article, a reflective member coupled to a trim articleor a reflective coating or plating applied to a trim article. As such,the reflective layer 42 may be a coating that is applied to the upperportion 16 of the main housing 12 by painting, screen printing,spraying, slot coating, dip coating, roller coating or bar coating thereflective layer 42 thereon. Alternatively, the reflective layer 42, aswell as the photoreactive layer 44 and protective layer 46, may becoextruded to prepare an integrated and multi-layered accent trimportion 40 for the instrument cluster 10. The reflective layer 42 mayalso be referred to as a chromatic layer comprised of various metalparticles, materials, coatings or paint that can produce a desiredreflective surface having a chrome or mirror like appearance. Thus, thereflective layer 42 may take the form of a film, coating, multi-layerstructure or other suitable structure for providing the desiredreflective appearance. Various materials that can be used for inclusionin the reflective layer 42 to provide a reflecting effect includeautomotive grade metallic paint, automotive grade silver paint,substrates containing particles or flakes of indium, silver, chromium,or aluminum. The reflective layer 42 may be deposited, formed or appliedto the upper portion 16 of the main housing 12, and may also be appliedthereto using an evaporation deposition method. A vacuum metallizationmethod may also be used to apply the reflective layer 42 to the upperportion 16 of the main housing 12. Reflective paints, hot foils,physical vapor deposition coatings and chrome coatings may also serve assuitable materials used for the reflective layer 42. As noted above, thereflective layer 42 is applied to the upper portion 16 of the mainhousing 12 of the instrument cluster 10 and, as further noted above, thereflective layer 42 may be applied to any trim article disposed within avehicle interior.

The main housing 12 may be comprised of injection molded polymeric partswhich are structurally suitable materials for use as a backing member.Such polymeric materials may include ABS plastics, polycarbonate, orcombinations thereof. Such polymeric materials provide structurallysound trim articles that offer high durability under long term ambientexposure. Further, the main housing 12 could be made of a metallicmaterial, such as aluminum or steel. If the material used for the mainhousing 12 is conductive, it is contemplated that a non-conductiveinsulating layer can be disposed over the same, such that he mainhousing 12 would not interfere with any electrical components of thesystem, which are further described below.

As further shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the photoreactive layer 44 isdisposed over the reflective layer 42, such that the photoreactive layer44 substantially covers the reflective layer 42 in assembly. Thephotoreactive layer 44 defines a coating over the reflective layer 42that is operable between a ground state A, shown in FIG. 2A, and anactivated or excited state B, shown in FIG. 2B. The photoreactive layer44 includes photochromic compounds, such as photochromic orphotoreactive dyes, which are bistable compounds that react to certainlighting conditions, such as sunlight. The term bistable, as usedthroughout this disclosure, refers to compounds, layers, and coatingsthat have first and second display states which differ in at least oneoptical property, such as light transmission, light absorption orbirefringence. With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the photoreactivelayer 44 is bistable in that the ground state A defines a generallytransparent or light transmissive coating, while the activated state Bdefines a translucent or light absorbing coating. As such, when in theactivated state B, the photoreactive layer 44 blocks or absorbs some orall wavelengths of light to which it is exposed. In this way, when inthe activated state B, the photoreactive layer 44 blocks, or partiallyblocks, light from the reflective layer 42 over which it is disposed. Inthis way, the photoreactive coating 44 defines a dimmable trim coatingfor the accent trim 40 of the instrument cluster 10. By blocking orabsorbing some or all of the ambient light received by the reflectivelayer 42, the photoreactive layer 44 controls the amount of lightreflected from the reflective layer 42 as further described below.

In the simplest of terms, the photoreactive layer 44 is adapted tochange color when exposed to ambient light at wavelengths generally in arange of about 400 nm to about 700 nm, when the light is first filteredby tinted glass, and about 250 nm to about 400 nm, which includes lightthat is invisible to the human eye, when the ambient light isunfiltered. The color change is due to the different levels ofabsorption of light between the ground state A and activated state B. Asshown, and further described below, the ground state A is substantiallytransparent allowing ambient light to be reflected from the reflectivelayer 42. The activated state B is translucent, and thereby blocks asubstantial portion of the ambient light from reaching the reflectivelayer 42 by absorbing the ambient light. The bistability of thephotoreactive layer 44 is “reversible”, in that when the photoreactivelayer 44 changes to the activated state B, the photoreactive layer 44will revert to the ground state A as the high ambient light conditionsdissipate. The photochromic effects of the photoreactive layer 44 areprovided by photochromic compounds as further described below.

Suitable photochromic compounds for use in providing a dimmable effectto a bright trim article include benzopyrans, stilbenes, nitrones,naphthopyrans, spirobenzopyrans, spironaphthopyrans, spirobenzoxzines,spironaphthoxazines, fulgides, quinones and fulgimides. These compoundsmay be incorporated into a photochromic dye that provides for an inkwhich is generally colorless, but changes to a predetermined color inthe presence of a certain level of ambient light for which the dye ischosen. The photochromic compounds are able to change color, in a waythat is detectable by the human eye, by changing configuration,alignment within a substrate or by physically altering their structurewhen subjected to ambient light in a vehicle interior. As the source ofambient light is removed, the photochromic compounds will revert totheir more stable and often colorless ground state A by a process knownas reversion. Photochromic compounds can degrade in their ability toreversibly change form and change light absorption qualities by exposureto free radicals over time. Thus, the photoreactive layer 44 of thepresent invention may include a matrix into which the photochromiccompounds are disposed, or may include a protective polymeric layer,such as protective layer 46 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The photoreactivelayer 44 may also be applied as a thin film coating over the reflectivesurface or layer 42 that does not require a protective layer.

To enhance the fatigue resistance of the photochromic compounds,stabilizers such as antioxidants, light stabilizers, and UV absorbersare added in the photoreactive layer 44. Suitable resin materials foruse in creating a matrix for hosting the photochromic compounds includepolycarbonate, polysulfone, cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB),polyacrylates, polyesters, polystyrene, copolymer of an acrylate andstyrene, blends of compatible transparent polymers. Preferred resins arepolycarbonate, CAB, polyacrylates, and copolymers of acrylate andstyrene. A polycarbonate-based resin is particularly preferred becauseof high transparency, high tenacity, high thermal resistance and highrefractive index. As disposed within a polymeric matrix, thephotochromic compounds are still functional bistable compounds capableof changing absorption spectra between the ground and activated statesA, B.

The quantity of photochromic compounds incorporated into the polymericmatrix of the photoreactive layer 44 of the present invention isdetermined by the desired light blockage in the activated state B andthe thickness of the polyurethane layer itself. The amount ofphotochromic compounds needed is inversely proportional to the thicknessof the polyurethane layer. In other words, to achieve the same outdoorlight transmission the thicker the polyurethane layer, the lower theconcentration of photochromic compound(s) needed. The concentration ofthe photochromic compounds also depends on the desired color intensityof the photochromic compounds in the activated state B.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a photochromic coating orphotochromic layer 44 darkens from a clear or nearly clear ground stateA to a neutral gray color in the activated state B as a reaction to highlevels of ambient light. A clear protective hard coating may beincorporated in the photochromic layer 44 or may be applied over thephotochromic layer 44, such as protective layer 46, to meet requirementsfor resistance to abrasion and chemical exposure of the trim article. Inthe exemplary embodiment described above, the accent trim 40 will have ametallic look under low level ambient conditions, as the photochromiclayer 44 will be in the substantially transparent state, such that thereflective layer 42 is revealed and ambient light is reflectedtherefrom. As the ambient conditions change to high levels of ambientlight, the photochromic layer 44 will change to the substantiallytranslucent state, such that a natural gray photochromic dye in thephotochromic layer 44 will absorb the ambient light and conceal thereflective layer 42, thereby giving the accent trim 40 a change of colorto a neutral gray appearance. Such a fluctuation between metallic andgray coloration provides for an accent trim 40 that is substantiallyinert in appearance in both low level and high level ambient lightconditions by including a dye with a gray coloration configured toimitate the natural appearance of the reflective layer 42. Thephotochromic die may also include a pigmentation that is noticeablycontrasting with the appearance of the reflective layer 42, forproviding a dramatic change in the appearance of the accent trim 40 invarying ambient conditions as the photochromic layer 44 converts fromthe ground state A to the activated or excited state B.

As further shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, incoming ambient light is generallyindicated with reference numeral 50. As specifically shown in FIG. 2A,the incoming ambient light 50 propagates through the protective layer 46as well as through the photoreactive layer 44 to a point of incidence R₁disposed on the boundary surface 42 b of the reflective layer 42. PointR₁ represents a point of incidence, wherein the incoming ambient light50 is reflected from the boundary surface 42 b of the reflective layer42 back through the photoreactive layer 44 and protective layer 46 alonga path as indicated by arrow 52. The optical path created by theincoming ambient light 50 and the reflected ambient light 52 is a simpleoptical path provided in this disclosure for descriptive purposes only.That is to say, refraction indices of the protective layer 46 and thephotoreactive layer 44 have not been taken into account, nor anyreflection at the boundaries or interface of these layers with respectto the incoming ambient light 50. With the photoreactive layer 44 in theground state A, which is substantially transparent, the incoming ambientlight 50 is able to propagate through the transparent protective layer46 and photoreactive layer 44 at an intensity designated by 50 _(i).Given the transparency of the photoreactive layer 44 and the protectivelayer 46, the incoming ambient light 50 is able to fully reflect off theboundary surface 42 b of the reflective layer 42 in a path of reflectedlight as indicated by arrow 52 at an intensity which is substantiallysimilar to the intensity 50 _(i) of the incoming ambient light 50. Thus,as shown in FIG. 2A, the ambient light 50 is essentially fully reflectedoff of the reflective layer 42 of the accent trim 40 without inhibitionby the photoreactive layer 44. As such, a similar and tolerable amountof ambient light reflected, as indicated by arrow 52, is demonstrated atan intensity of 50 _(i) which presumably does not meet a thresholdintensity necessary to activate the photoreactive compounds in thephotoreactive layer 44.

Referring now to FIG. 2B, the incoming ambient light 50 is provided atan intensity of 50 a and is shown in FIG. 2B as propagating through thesubstantially transparent protective layer 46. The intensity level 50 aof the incoming ambient light 50 is enough to exceed a thresholdintensity of ambient light, such that the photoreactive compounds withinthe photoreactive layer 44 are charged and brought to their activatedstate B, wherein substantially all of the wavelengths of light areabsorbed in the photoreactive layer 44. As absorbed within thephotoreactive layer 44, the incoming ambient light 50 will generally beblocked at the photoreactive layer 44 and therefore will not reach thepoint of incident R₁ disposed on the boundary surface 42 b of thereflective layer 42. Incoming ambient light 50 which is not absorbed inthe photoreactive layer 44 may propagate through the photoreactive layer44 to the point of incidence R₁, as shown by dashed lines, and bereflected off the boundary surface 42 b of the reflective layer 42 in apath as indicated by arrow 52. This reflective light 52 has an intensityindicated by reference numeral 50 b which is lower than the intensitylevel 50 a of the incoming ambient light 50. In this way, the reflectivelayer 42 is adapted to reflect an amount of ambient light through thephotoreactive layer 44 when the photoreactive layer 44 is in atransparent ground state A, however, the amount of ambient lightreflected 52 is substantially reduced, or altogether not present, whenthe photoreactive layer 44 is in the activated state B.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, another embodiment of the presentinvention is shown, wherein the upper portion 16 of the main housing 12includes an accent trim portion 40 a. The accent trim portion 40 aincludes a reflective layer 42 a, an electro-optic layer 44 a and aprotective layer 46 a. The protective layer 46 a is similar toprotective layer 46 described above with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.The reflective layer 42 a may be comprised of a metallic material, or beplated with a metallic material or other like reflective coating similarto reflective layer 42 described above with reference to FIGS. 2A and2B. The electro-optic layer 44 a exhibits an electro-optical effect,such that the electro-optic layer 44 a is configured to change one ofthe optical properties of the layer in response to the presence of anelectric field. The optical property that is changed by the applicationof an electric field to the electro-optic layer 44 a may be detectableby the human eye, and may include such properties as light transmission,reflectance, birefringence, optical transmission, light absorbance, or acolor change. In this way, the electro-optic layer 44 a is also bistablein a similar manner as noted above with photoreactive layer 44. It iscontemplated that the electro-optic layer 44 a may includethermochromic, suspended particle, electrochromic, or liquid crystalembodiments. It is contemplated that the electro-optic layer 44 a can betuned to precisely control the amount of light that reaches thereflective layer 42 a for reflection therefrom. In order to change thelight transmission properties of the electro-optic layer 44 a, a voltagemust be applied to the electro-optic layer 44 a. As shown in FIGS. 3Aand 3B, an electronic module 60 is adapted to supply a voltage to theelectro-optic layer 44 a using leads 62, 64. In this way, electronicmodule 60 is electrically coupled to the electro-optic layer 44 a. Thevoltage provides an electric field to the electro-optic layer 44 a whichinitiates a change in the way light is received at the electro-opticlayer 44 a. The electronic module 60 may be a variable resistor orpotentiometer which serves as an excitation source for the electro-opticlayer 44 a and further includes a photocell 66 which is adapted tomeasure the intensity of the ambient light conditions. When the ambientlight conditions meet a threshold intensity level, the electronic module60 sends a voltage through leads 62, 64 to the electro-optic layer 44 asuch that an electric field is generated and the electro-optic layer 44a changes its optical properties from a first light transmissive state C(shown in FIG. 3A) to a second light transmissive state D (shown in FIG.3B). Thus, the light transmissive states C, D represent first and seconddisplay states for the electro-optic layer 44 a. As such, it iscontemplated that ambient light is substantially transmitted through theelectro-optic layer 44 a, as indicated by arrow 50.

As further shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, incoming ambient light is generallyindicated by reference numeral 50. As specifically shown in FIG. 3A, theincoming ambient light 50 propagates through the protective layer 46 aas well as through the electro-optic layer 44 a to a point of incidenceR₂ disposed on the boundary surface 42 b of the reflective layer 42 a.Point R₂ represents a point of incidence, wherein the incoming ambientlight 50 is reflected from the boundary surface 42 b of the reflectivelayer 42 a back through the electro-optic layer 44 a and protectivelayer 46 a along a path of reflected light as indicated by arrow 52. Theoptical path created by the incoming ambient light 50 and the reflectedambient light 52 is a simple optical path provided in this disclosurefor descriptive purposes only in a manner similar to that describedabove with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B. With the electro-optic layer 44a in the first display state C, which is substantially transparent, theincoming ambient light 50 is able to propagate through the transparentprotective layer 46 a and electro-optic layer 44 a at an intensitydesignated by 50 _(i). Given the transparency of the electro-optic layer44 a and the protective layer 46 a, the incoming ambient light 50 isable to fully reflect off the boundary surface 42 b of the reflectivelayer 42 a in a path of reflected light as indicated by arrow 52 at anintensity which is substantially similar to the intensity 50 _(i) of theincoming ambient light 50. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3A, the ambient lightis fully reflected off the reflective layer 42 a of the accent trim 40without inhibition by the electro-optic layer 44 a. As such, a similarand tolerable amount of ambient light reflected, as indicated by arrow52, is demonstrated at an intensity of 50 _(i) which does not meet athreshold intensity necessary activate the electronic module 60 to senda voltage to the electro-optic layer 44 a, thereby imparting a change ofdisplay states of the electro-optic layer 44 a.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, the incoming ambient light 50 is provided atan intensity of 50 a and is shown in FIG. 3B as propagating through thesubstantially transparent protective layer 46 a. The intensity level 50a of the incoming ambient light 50 is enough to provide a thresholdintensity of ambient light, such that the photocell 66 of the electronicmodule 60 detects the ambient light condition at an intensity of 50 a,and thus signals the electronic module 60 to apply a voltage, andcorresponding electronic field, to the electro-optic layer 44 a toconvert the electro-optic layer 44 a from the first display state C tothe second display state D, wherein substantially all of the wavelengthsof light are absorbed in the electro-optic layer 44 a. As absorbedwithin the electro-optic layer 44 a, the incoming ambient light 50 willgenerally be blocked at the electro-optic layer 44 a and thus, will notreach the point of incident R₂ disposed on the boundary surface 42 b ofthe reflective layer 42 a. Incoming ambient light 50 which is notabsorbed in the electro-optic layer 44 a may propagate through theelectro-optic layer 44 a to the point of incidence R₂, as shown bydashed lines, and be reflected off the boundary surface 42 b of thereflective layer 42 a in a path as indicated by arrow 52. Thisreflective light 52 has an intensity indicated by reference numeral 50 bwhich is lower than the threshold exceeding intensity level 50 a of theincoming ambient light 50. In this way, the reflective layer 42 a isadapted to reflect an amount of ambient light 50 through theelectro-optic layer 44 a when the electro-optic layer 44 a is in thefirst display state A, however, the amount of ambient light reflected 52is substantially reduced, or altogether not present, when theelectro-optic layer 44 a is in the second display state B. As shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B, the photocell 66 is incorporated into the electronicmodule 60, however, it is contemplated that the photocell 66 may bedisposed anywhere within a vehicle interior for appropriately gaugingthe intensity of the current ambient light conditions, yet still beelectrically coupled to electronic module 60.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B, an exemplary cross-section of theelectro-optic layer 44 a of accent trim 40 a is shown having molecularparticles 70 a-70 c suspended therein. In FIG. 4A, the electro-opticlayer 44 a is shown in the first display state C, wherein incoming light50, at an intensity level of 50 _(i), passes through the protectivelayer 46 a and the substantially transparent electro-optic layer 44 afor reflection at a point of incidence R₂ on a boundary surface 42 b ofthe reflective layer 42 a. In this way, the ambient light 50 isreflected at an intensity of 50 _(i) as represented by arrow 52. Withreference to FIG. 4B, the incoming ambient light 50 is at an intensitylevel 50 a which, as noted above, exceeds a threshold intensity levelsuch that the electronic module 60, shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, hasapplied an electromagnetic field to the electro-optic layer 44 a, whichhas caused the molecular particles 70 a-70 c to rapidly align in theformation shown in FIG. 4B which represents the second display state Dof electro-optic layer 44 a. In this configuration, the molecularparticles 70 a-70 c block or absorb a majority of the incoming light 50a, such that the light reflected 52 is reflected at an intensity of 50 bwhich is significantly less than the intensity 50 a of incoming ambientlight 50. Thus, as shown in FIG. 4B, little to no ambient light 50 ispropagated through accent trim portion 40 a to reach the reflectivelayer 42 a for reflection therefrom. It is contemplated that themolecular particles 70 a-70 c may be any molecular particles known inthe art that are adapted to align in a configuration as described abovewhen an electric field is applied thereto, and which may also include acolor change when converting from the first display state C to thesecond display state D. Further, it is contemplated that the molecularparticles 70 a-70 c may naturally align in the second display state D,such that an electric field must be applied to the molecular particles70 a-70 c for providing a light transmissive state C shown in FIG. 4Awhich allows reflection off the boundary surface 42 b of the reflectivesurface 42 a. Further, it is contemplated that the electronic module 60,shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, need only provide a short voltage burst to theelectro-optic layer 44 a for converting the electro-optic layer 44 abetween first and second display states C, D. As such, the electronicmodule 60 does not need to supply a constant voltage to theelectro-optic layer 44 a in order for either of the display states toremain in place.

It will also be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art thatconstruction of the described invention and other components is notlimited to any specific material. Other exemplary embodiments of theinvention disclosed herein may be formed from a wide variety ofmaterials, unless described otherwise herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” (in all of itsforms, couple, coupling, coupled, etc.) generally means the joining oftwo components (electrical or mechanical) directly or indirectly to oneanother. Such joining may be stationary in nature or movable in nature.Such joining may be achieved with the two components (electrical ormechanical) and any additional intermediate members being integrallyformed as a single unitary body with one another or with the twocomponents. Such joining may be permanent in nature or may be removableor releasable in nature unless otherwise stated.

It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement ofthe elements of the invention as shown in the exemplary embodiments isillustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the presentinnovations have been described in detail in this disclosure, thoseskilled in the art who receive this disclosure will readily appreciatethat many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes,dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements,values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novelteachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example,elements shown as integrally formed, the operation of the interfaces maybe reversed or otherwise varied, the length or width of the structuresand/or members or connector or other elements of the system may bevaried, the nature or number of adjustment positions provided betweenthe elements may be varied. It should be noted that the elements and/orassemblies of the system may be constructed from any of a wide varietyof materials that provide sufficient strength or durability, in any of awide variety of colors, textures, and combinations. Accordingly, allsuch modifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent innovations. Other substitutions, modifications, changes, andomissions may be made in the design, operating conditions, andarrangement of the desired and other exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present innovations.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present invention. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present invention, and further it is to beunderstood that such concepts are intended to be covered by thefollowing claims unless these claims by their language expressly stateotherwise.

What is claimed is:
 1. A dimmable trim component for a vehicle interior, comprising: a trim article having a reflective portion; and a photoreactive coating substantially covering the reflective portion, the photoreactive coating including a photochromic dye, wherein the photoreactive coating defines a dimmable coating capable of transmitting ambient light to the reflective portion in a ground state and reducing the amount of the ambient light transmitted to the reflective portion when in an activated state.
 2. The dimmable trim component of claim 1, wherein the photoreactive coating is substantially transparent in the ground state.
 3. The dimmable trim component of claim 2, wherein the photoreactive coating is substantially translucent in the activated state.
 4. The dimmable trim component of claim 3, wherein the photoreactive coating is adapted to absorb ambient light in the activated state.
 5. The dimmable trim component of claim 4, wherein the photochromic dye provides a change of color to the photoreactive coating as the photoreactive coating converts from the ground state to the activated state.
 6. The dimmable trim component of claim 5, wherein the photochromic dye provides a change of color to the photoreactive coating when ambient light conditions exhibit wavelengths of about 400 nm to about 700 nm.
 7. The dimmable trim component of claim 5, wherein the reflective portion comprises one of a metallic member, a metallic plated member, and a simulated metallic member.
 8. The dimmable trim component of claim 7, wherein photochromic dye includes a gray coloration configured to imitate a color of the reflective portion.
 9. A dimmable trim component for a vehicle interior, comprising: a trim panel including an accent trim portion having a reflective layer configured to reflect an amount of ambient light; and a photochromic layer disposed over the reflective layer, the photochromic layer being operable between a ground state and an excited state, wherein the photochromic layer reduces the amount of ambient light reflected by the reflective layer in the excited state.
 10. The dimmable trim component of claim 9, wherein the photochromic layer is substantially transparent in the ground state.
 11. The dimmable trim component of claim 10, wherein the photochromic layer is substantially translucent in the excited state.
 12. The dimmable trim component of claim 11, wherein the photochromic layer is adapted to absorb ambient light in the excited state.
 13. The dimmable trim component of claim 12, wherein the photochromic layer includes a photochromic dye which provides a change of color to the photochromic layer as the photochromic layer converts from the ground state to the excited state.
 14. A dimmable trim component for a vehicle interior, comprising: a trim article having a reflective member configured to reflect ambient light; and an electro-optic coating substantially covering the reflective member, the electro-optic coating being bistable between first and second display states, wherein the electro-optic coating transmits the ambient light to the reflective member in the first display state and absorbs a portion of the ambient light in the second display state.
 15. The dimmable trim component of claim 14, further comprising: an electronic module electrically coupled to the electro-optic coating, wherein the electronic module is configured to apply an electric field to the electro-optic coating.
 16. The dimmable trim component of claim 15, wherein the electro-optic coating changes from the first display state to the second display state in response to the electronic field provided by the electronic module.
 17. The dimmable trim component of claim 15, wherein the electro-optic coating includes molecular particles adapted to change configuration between the first and second display states.
 18. The dimmable trim component of claim 17, further comprising: a photocell electrically coupled to the electronic module, wherein the photocell is configured to detect an ambient light condition.
 19. The dimmable trim component of claim 18, wherein the electro-optic coating is adapted to convert from the first display state to the second display state when the ambient light condition detected by the photocell includes ambient light having wavelengths within the range of about 400 nm to about 700 nm.
 20. The dimmable trim component of claim 14, wherein the electro-optic coating provides a change of color within the electro-optic coating as the electro-optic coating converts from the first display state to the second display state. 